Why FEMA Advises Snow Removal Plans for Commercial Buildings

Winter Isn’t Coming. It’s Already Here

For many people in the U.S. winter is already here. Snow is currently falling across the Midwest and is also forecast for the Northeastern US in the coming days. Despite the forecast, proactive facility managers and building owners who already have their snow removal contingency plans in place are breathing a sigh of relief. These key decision makers recognize the critical importance of ensuring their commercial properties remain safe places to do work, shop, or store goods. They also know failing to remove snow from the roof can lead to disastrous results. Just how disastrous?

A $3.5 Billion Disaster

As the structural integrity of roofs on facilities, buildings and warehouses deteriorate, the chances of collapse due to snow load inevitably grow. When a building’s roof finally does succumb to the pressure of the snow and ice above, the effect on people and the local economy is immediate and widespread. According to the Insurance Information Institute, in just the year 2015, snow events, blizzards, and winter storms were responsible for an estimated $3.5 billion in insured losses (residential and commercial) with many of those claims linked to damage caused by collapsed roofs.